The Arch School of English

letwise@edinburgh.gov.uk   If possible, share a flat with people of other nationalities so you have to practise speaking English.

but you are unlikely to receive overdraft or credit card services. You will need a letter to prove your address (school can help) & your passport.

Emergency numbers – 999 for real emergencies - non – urgent – phone local office (http://www.192.com/search/search.cfm)

Food – cheapest is Tesco and Lidl (nearest are Nicholson Street) and Asda– best quality Sainsbury – small corner shops are better for fruit and vegetables

GP – to register with the doctor you will need your passport or ID & police registration. telephoning               0131 537 8488         0131 537 8488 or try

http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/emergencies/gp.asp

All international students studying in the UK for six months or more are eligible to receive full health care under the National Health Service.

This includes hospital treatment as an in-patient, the treatment of pre-existing conditions and full maternity services.

National Health helpline Tel.               08454 24 24 24         08454 24 24 24 www.nhs24.com

Internet – free access at public libraries – no need to be a member (see under Library below)

Free Interpreters - will help e.g. if you need to go to doctor contact the Interpretation and Translation Service (ITS)

Address: Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EG Tel:               0131 242 8181         0131 242 8181 http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/city_living/interpretation_and_translation_services/

Jobs – try www.gumtree.com European students – no restrictions.

Others - check your visa – usually 20 hours a week maximum during terms & full time in the holidays Scotcareers – will help you prepare a CV & give 15 copies free.

http://www.scotcareers.co.uk/ or try http://www.careers-scotland.org.uk/Howtoapply/Leaflets/Leaflets.asp for more help.

Know your address ! –Write it on a piece of paper and always carry it with you in case you get lost.

Join the public Library to borrow books free and DVDs, CDs etc for a small charge– you will need to show two proofs of identity,

one of which shows your current address, One of these MUST have a signature. The biggest library is the Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh,

EH11EG.Tel:                0131 242 8000         0131 242 8000 but there are local ones too. For more information see http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/leisure/Libraries

you will receive money off items if you save points by using a loyalty card e.g. in supermarkets or Boots advantage card when you buy things.

Mobile phone – buy a pay as you go – try Orange, Vodaphone or T mobile.

For phoning home use an International phone card - £5 from any corner shop – best to use with landline - dial number then put in password –

then dial number. To avoid problems if your phone is stolen, register it with www.immobilise.com

If you have access to a computer use MSN Messenger or Skype to speak to friends and family at home free of charge.

National insurance number – make sure you get this at the job centre within 6 months of getting a job

– take your passport & letter from employer. Call first & make appointment – 0845 600 0643 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday).

Fettes Avenue Edinburgh, EH4 1RB Tel No: 0131 311 3171- open Monday-Friday 9am – 11.30am within 7 days of arriving.

You will need to take: Your passport, 1 passport-sized photograph, a letter from the school with details of your studies

The fee of £34 (cash) More information at http://www.lbp.police.uk/information/nationality/faqs.asp

You must also tell the police within 7 days if there is a change to your address, studies or if you are granted an extension of your leave to remain

Post offices –Nearest Post offices to Bristo are in Raeburn Place (Stockbridge), Frederick Street or West Maitland Street.

Nearest to Buccleuch are at 41 South Clerk Street & 79 Nicholson Street

58 Dundas Street               0131 557 1500         0131 557 1500 

You're eligible if you're aged between 16-25, or over the age of 26 and in full-time education.

 http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/what-is-a-16-25-railcard

Proof of age & student status needed)- you pay £3 for the card – they take photos but you need to pay by direct debit from a bank account.

You can also get a prepaid ridacard for 1 or 4 weeks or a year or packs of 21 single tickets for £21 from travelshops) from Lothian Buses travel shops at

Waverley Bridge, Hanover Street or Shandwick Place Don’t forget to get a route map & timetables.

If you don’t have a ridacard you will need exact change for the bus – single rides cost £1.10 & a day ticket costs £2.50. More information at htt p://www.lothianbuses.com/ridacard.php

Student Identity card will let you have discounts for travel, cinema, some shops, restaurants (e.g. Pizza Hut, Burger King) & many more.

Costs £9 See http://www.statravel.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/uk_division_web_live/hs.xsl/ISIC-card.htm

Umbrellas – are OK, but not much use if it’s windy (and it often is) so have a good raincoat or waterproof jacket.

Visa – for information about extending your stay speak to the school and look at http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

Water – tap water should!?! be safe to drink but sometimes has a funny taste because of the chemicals they put in it to make it safe.

eXercise Buy a second-hand bike (and a good lock!) for free transport and exercise. Council sports centres have student leisure cards for cheaper rates

if you are a regular - see http://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/detail-70 It’s also possible to use the Centre for Sport and Exercise,

University of Edinburgh 46 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ 0131 650 2585 at certain times if you buy their card.

Yes, you’re right! We couldn’t think of any advice beginning with Y, except enjoy Yourself!

A to Z – buy an Edinburgh A to Z street atlas (from bookshops or garages) and carry it with you so you don’t get lost.